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Secret Obsession
Paige Donahue has always lived in her sister Camille's shadow. As children, Camille had the grades, the friends, and their parents' love, while Paige was left with hand-me-downs and criticism. Now as adults, Camille lives an idyllic life with her husband, Pierce, and her two perfect children in a beautiful home, while Paige is stuck in a small condo with bills she can't afford to pay.
But no more. With seeds of doubt planted in both Camille's and Pierce's minds, Paige's plan to steal her brother-in law starts to work. But when he reveals his decision to make his marriage work, a desperate Paige moves from envy to madness. What results from her dangerous scheme is something no one could have imagined.
But no more. With seeds of doubt planted in both Camille's and Pierce's minds, Paige's plan to steal her brother-in law starts to work. But when he reveals his decision to make his marriage work, a desperate Paige moves from envy to madness. What results from her dangerous scheme is something no one could have imagined.
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First published September 6, 2011
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About the author
Kimberla Lawson Roby
43 books2,767 followersNew York Times Bestselling Author, Speaker, Encourager of Women & Podcast Host, Kimberla Lawson Roby, has published 30 books which include her faith-based, nonfiction titles, THE WOMAN GOD CREATED YOU TO BE: Finding Success Through Faith—Spiritually, Personally, and Professionally and THE WOMAN GOD CREATED YOU TO BE: Companion Workbook & Discussion Guide, as well as some of her novels, such as CASTING THE FIRST STONE, SIN OF A WOMAN, A SINFUL CALLING, SISTER FRIENDS FOREVER, A CHRISTMAS PRAYER, THE PRODIGAL SON, THE PERFECT MARRIAGE, THE REVEREND’S WIFE, IT'S AS THIN LINE, and her debut title, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, which was originally self-published through her own company, Lenox Press. She has sold more than 3 million copies of her books, and they have frequented numerous bestseller lists, including The New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, Essence, Upscale, Black Christian News, AALBC.com, Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com, Wal-Mart, The Dallas Morning News, The Austin Chronicle and many others. Kimberla is also the host of The Woman God Created You to Be Podcast.
Over the years, Kimberla has spoken to thousands of women at conferences, churches, expos, workshops, luncheons, libraries, colleges, universities and bookstores. She shares her own personal journey straight from her heart and has a strong passion toward helping women become all that God created them to be.
Kimberla is the 2013 NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction, the recipient of the 2017 SOAR Radio Trailblazer of Honor award, the 2017 Southwest Florida Reading Festival Distinguished Author award, the 2017 AAMBC Christian Fiction Author of the Year award and the 2014 AAMBC Female Author of the Year award, the 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013 African-American Literary Awards Show (New York, NY) Female Author of the Year award, the Blackboard Fiction Book of the Year Award in 2001 for CASTING THE FIRST STONE, and in 2001, Kimberla was inducted into the Rock Valley College Alumni Hall of Fame (Rockford, IL). Additionally, in August 2020, she was named by USA Today as one of the 100 black novelists you should read, and in February 2021, her nonfiction book, The Woman God Created You to Be: Finding Success Through Faith—Spiritually, Personally, and Professionally, was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional, giving her 4 NAACP Image Award nominations in total.
Kimberla’s books deal with very real issues, including women empowerment, sexual harassment, racial and gender discrimination in the workplace, problems within the church (and the consequences), Christian/family/moral values, drug and gambling addiction, marriage, infidelity, single motherhood, breast cancer, infertility, sibling rivalry, domestic violence, childhood sexual abuse, mental illness, and the care-giving of a parent to name a few. In addition, Kimberla’s books offer a message of redemption, forgiveness, and the realities of everyday life. Kimberla resides in Illinois with her husband, Will.
To share your thoughts with Kimberla regarding her work, please e-mail her at: kim@kimroby.com
Over the years, Kimberla has spoken to thousands of women at conferences, churches, expos, workshops, luncheons, libraries, colleges, universities and bookstores. She shares her own personal journey straight from her heart and has a strong passion toward helping women become all that God created them to be.
Kimberla is the 2013 NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction, the recipient of the 2017 SOAR Radio Trailblazer of Honor award, the 2017 Southwest Florida Reading Festival Distinguished Author award, the 2017 AAMBC Christian Fiction Author of the Year award and the 2014 AAMBC Female Author of the Year award, the 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013 African-American Literary Awards Show (New York, NY) Female Author of the Year award, the Blackboard Fiction Book of the Year Award in 2001 for CASTING THE FIRST STONE, and in 2001, Kimberla was inducted into the Rock Valley College Alumni Hall of Fame (Rockford, IL). Additionally, in August 2020, she was named by USA Today as one of the 100 black novelists you should read, and in February 2021, her nonfiction book, The Woman God Created You to Be: Finding Success Through Faith—Spiritually, Personally, and Professionally, was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional, giving her 4 NAACP Image Award nominations in total.
Kimberla’s books deal with very real issues, including women empowerment, sexual harassment, racial and gender discrimination in the workplace, problems within the church (and the consequences), Christian/family/moral values, drug and gambling addiction, marriage, infidelity, single motherhood, breast cancer, infertility, sibling rivalry, domestic violence, childhood sexual abuse, mental illness, and the care-giving of a parent to name a few. In addition, Kimberla’s books offer a message of redemption, forgiveness, and the realities of everyday life. Kimberla resides in Illinois with her husband, Will.
To share your thoughts with Kimberla regarding her work, please e-mail her at: kim@kimroby.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
December 4, 2011
I was torn between 2 and 3 stars on this book because it DID keep me turning the pages. It did intrigue me enough to keep reading at night past the time I had planned to, because I wanted to see how it turned out. However, the book was just not well written. Each sentence seemed so deliberate and bland - I felt like I was reading something written in the style of a middle or high-school student (not that some of them can't be talented writers). Certain portions of dialogue just seemed pointless. For example, Camille and Paige order lunch in the cafe, and every bit of the dialogue is spelled out. It reminded me of a play or a movie script, in fact. It really wasn't necessary. Neither was the long description of Paige making her lunch - it did nothing to further the story, just seemed in there to fill space. I'm not sure if I am alone in this, but it just seemed to me to be poorly written. I know chick lit isn't supposed to be plausible, and I wasn't taking this book as something that should make sense, because Paige's obvious delusions were not very delved-into (which I would have liked to see) so not much was done to explain and explore her psychological issues. I took the book for what it was, but chick lit/easy "beach reads" can still be well written, and I just don't think this one was. However, again, it did keep me turning the pages.
August 30, 2011
Fast summary...
Two sisters...one more blessed than the other in many ways...one has everything...the other wants everything...including her sister's husband...the methods used to force this to happen were extreme...very extreme.
My thoughts...
This book sounded so much better than it was...I guess I thought it might be similar to an Emily Giffin or a Sophie Kinsella book but it was not.
Predictable plot, sort of an outrageous storyline and not very likable characters. It makes me sad to say this. I recognize that this author put an amazing amount of work in this book...she included a reading guide and questions and it truly would be a great book for a book group but the story line was tired and this author did not try to freshen this idea or make it exciting!!!
Reading this was a painful chore. I promised to read it and so I did. But it did not provide me with a memorable or valuable reading experience.
I need a book to sing to me, to capture my attention with prose I can lose myself in.
It just was not a good fit for me.
Two sisters...one more blessed than the other in many ways...one has everything...the other wants everything...including her sister's husband...the methods used to force this to happen were extreme...very extreme.
My thoughts...
This book sounded so much better than it was...I guess I thought it might be similar to an Emily Giffin or a Sophie Kinsella book but it was not.
Predictable plot, sort of an outrageous storyline and not very likable characters. It makes me sad to say this. I recognize that this author put an amazing amount of work in this book...she included a reading guide and questions and it truly would be a great book for a book group but the story line was tired and this author did not try to freshen this idea or make it exciting!!!
Reading this was a painful chore. I promised to read it and so I did. But it did not provide me with a memorable or valuable reading experience.
I need a book to sing to me, to capture my attention with prose I can lose myself in.
It just was not a good fit for me.
August 25, 2011
Roby does what she does best in Secret Obsessions; she kept me reading. The storyline was intriguing. Camille’s envious and demented sister, Paige, attempts to take her husband, Pierce, and her family. Paige uses sex, rape, blackmail, and a fantasy romance to snatch Pierce away from Camille, but alas, love prevails! Always anticipating Paige’s next move, it was hard to put the book down until I finished.
Nevertheless, the story was predictable almost immediately. While I couldn’t wait to read about Paige’s schemes, it was easy to guess what she would do. Roby also did a lot of telling instead of showing. I never felt as if I was in a particular environment and all of my senses were activated. There were times when Roby seemed like she was on a soapbox or information was written as filler, such as the monologue about Kem, the singer.
I appreciate Roby’s mention of mental illness as this awareness is needed in minority communities. However, the thoughts of the mentally ill character, Paige, seemed superficial and underdeveloped.
I’ve followed Roby since Here and Now, through the Curtis Black series and I must say her best writing was in the beginning.
Natasha Hines
AAMBC Reviewer
Nevertheless, the story was predictable almost immediately. While I couldn’t wait to read about Paige’s schemes, it was easy to guess what she would do. Roby also did a lot of telling instead of showing. I never felt as if I was in a particular environment and all of my senses were activated. There were times when Roby seemed like she was on a soapbox or information was written as filler, such as the monologue about Kem, the singer.
I appreciate Roby’s mention of mental illness as this awareness is needed in minority communities. However, the thoughts of the mentally ill character, Paige, seemed superficial and underdeveloped.
I’ve followed Roby since Here and Now, through the Curtis Black series and I must say her best writing was in the beginning.
Natasha Hines
AAMBC Reviewer
May 9, 2018
I'm like what??? 2be honest, I just don't know....lol....Owen was funny but not enough of him....The rest is like who r these ppl🤔
June 5, 2025
There’s no way this book is real.
September 12, 2011
Secret Obsession is the kind of novel I wish more authors would write. Honestly, I do. I’m a huge fan of Chick Lit, but rarely is there a plot where the main character does something terrible. In the case of Secret Obsession Paige Donahue wants to steal her sister Camille’s husband and as soon as I saw that premise on Netgalley I requested it straight away and was thrilled to be accepted to read and review it. The moral dilemma put me off, but the plot fascinated, too. I wanted to know Paige’s reasoning and so I eagerly devoured it in the course of a few days.
Secret Obsession is a Marmite book. You’ll either love it or you’ll hate it. Either you’ll read the description and instantly read it or you’ll put it down in disgust. I felt both. I felt repulsed knowing what I was going to read about, but I wanted to read it anyway because I like a novel that’s a bit different and Secret Obsession is certainly that. I liked the idea that after many years of living in her sister’s shadow, Paige was ready to snap, that for once she wanted to win and the only way for her to win was to steal Pierce, so she sets about ruining their marriage. It’s despicable, no doubt about it, but it’s addictive and highly readable, too. I’m not sure how believable the plot is in terms of… well, everything, but for the sake of fiction I’ll let it go. I mean it could happen. People steal other people’s husbands and wives all of the time, and I’m sure some of those people are sisters/brothers/daughters/sons etc so it’s not all beyond the realm of unbelievability.
The things Paige does to try and steal Pierce are rather disgusting. It’s quite something that I managed to get past the first 10 pages, because what Paige does, what she sets up, what she lets people believe is horrible. It’s deplorable, even worse than trying to steal her sister’s husband and that’s saying something. A lot of people will read that and slam the book down, and I’m a tad surprised it was allowed to fly, that the publishers kept it in, though despite being totally horrific it also helped us see Paige’s mind-set. It’s sort of like a see-saw, really. It’s really rather a gray area, it’s undoubtedly sick, but from Paige’s point-of-view it’s her only option. Despite the questionable nature of the plot, of Paige’s actions it’s a very readable book. The fact the book is a mere 192 pages meant I got through it very quickly and the pace was always fairly high as there was so much to do, so much to set in place and have to resolve and I think Roby for the most part wrote an excellent piece of fiction.
The characters are terrible people, with few being redeemable. Paige is a character nobody will like. I freely admit I hated her. I mean, you don’t do that! You don’t try and steal your sister’s husband! It’s out of order. I never wanted her to succeed, and I was waiting for her life to finally come crashing down around her. Her sister is better. In fact, Camille was the only likeable character, perhaps along with Karla, Paige’s best friend. Camille I rooted for, Camille I wanted to yell at and tell her what was going on. Her husband, on the other hand, no thank you. Pierce was not as bad as Paige, but he’s hardly an angel, as we learned during the novel. Paige and Camille’s parents faired no better, and all around it was really hard to find more than Camille to root for, because the rest were all truly mean and horrible people.
I enjoyed Secret Obsession, it was a quick read and I did find myself wondering what lengths Paige would go to next to secure Pierce. I did want to see what happened in the end. I did find some of the writing to be a bit convenient – some conveniently placed conversations, particularly one that occurs a little way into the book between Paige and her mom that was just a bit too soap-operaish to be believable. I also disliked the way the characters all called each other “girl” because that never rings true (“Hey, girl, you’ll never believe what happened,” Camille says at one point, or words to that effect and it was very cringeworthy). But for the most part I thought it was a very interesting novel. Not perfect, not a happy novel and with a rather too-good-to-be-true Epilogue which was far too sweetness and light for me but it was readable and I’m glad I did because it was a novel that made me think, made me wonder and made me realise I’m rather glad I don’t have a sister like Paige. I would recommend it because it is a novel that’s different to what I usually read and despite the lengths Paige go to be a bit uncomfortable, if you can get past it, it is a novel well worth reading.
Secret Obsession is a Marmite book. You’ll either love it or you’ll hate it. Either you’ll read the description and instantly read it or you’ll put it down in disgust. I felt both. I felt repulsed knowing what I was going to read about, but I wanted to read it anyway because I like a novel that’s a bit different and Secret Obsession is certainly that. I liked the idea that after many years of living in her sister’s shadow, Paige was ready to snap, that for once she wanted to win and the only way for her to win was to steal Pierce, so she sets about ruining their marriage. It’s despicable, no doubt about it, but it’s addictive and highly readable, too. I’m not sure how believable the plot is in terms of… well, everything, but for the sake of fiction I’ll let it go. I mean it could happen. People steal other people’s husbands and wives all of the time, and I’m sure some of those people are sisters/brothers/daughters/sons etc so it’s not all beyond the realm of unbelievability.
The things Paige does to try and steal Pierce are rather disgusting. It’s quite something that I managed to get past the first 10 pages, because what Paige does, what she sets up, what she lets people believe is horrible. It’s deplorable, even worse than trying to steal her sister’s husband and that’s saying something. A lot of people will read that and slam the book down, and I’m a tad surprised it was allowed to fly, that the publishers kept it in, though despite being totally horrific it also helped us see Paige’s mind-set. It’s sort of like a see-saw, really. It’s really rather a gray area, it’s undoubtedly sick, but from Paige’s point-of-view it’s her only option. Despite the questionable nature of the plot, of Paige’s actions it’s a very readable book. The fact the book is a mere 192 pages meant I got through it very quickly and the pace was always fairly high as there was so much to do, so much to set in place and have to resolve and I think Roby for the most part wrote an excellent piece of fiction.
The characters are terrible people, with few being redeemable. Paige is a character nobody will like. I freely admit I hated her. I mean, you don’t do that! You don’t try and steal your sister’s husband! It’s out of order. I never wanted her to succeed, and I was waiting for her life to finally come crashing down around her. Her sister is better. In fact, Camille was the only likeable character, perhaps along with Karla, Paige’s best friend. Camille I rooted for, Camille I wanted to yell at and tell her what was going on. Her husband, on the other hand, no thank you. Pierce was not as bad as Paige, but he’s hardly an angel, as we learned during the novel. Paige and Camille’s parents faired no better, and all around it was really hard to find more than Camille to root for, because the rest were all truly mean and horrible people.
I enjoyed Secret Obsession, it was a quick read and I did find myself wondering what lengths Paige would go to next to secure Pierce. I did want to see what happened in the end. I did find some of the writing to be a bit convenient – some conveniently placed conversations, particularly one that occurs a little way into the book between Paige and her mom that was just a bit too soap-operaish to be believable. I also disliked the way the characters all called each other “girl” because that never rings true (“Hey, girl, you’ll never believe what happened,” Camille says at one point, or words to that effect and it was very cringeworthy). But for the most part I thought it was a very interesting novel. Not perfect, not a happy novel and with a rather too-good-to-be-true Epilogue which was far too sweetness and light for me but it was readable and I’m glad I did because it was a novel that made me think, made me wonder and made me realise I’m rather glad I don’t have a sister like Paige. I would recommend it because it is a novel that’s different to what I usually read and despite the lengths Paige go to be a bit uncomfortable, if you can get past it, it is a novel well worth reading.
October 16, 2011
Living Nightmare
Born in her older sister’s shadow, Paige Donahue has always felt less than while Camille was the apple of her parents’ eye. Even now as adults, Camille is married to a wonderful man with two children, a boastful home, and whatever her heart desires.
Paige is determined to finally land on top of the pyramid no matter who she has to hurt to get there. Will this family be able to handle the betrayal, lies and deceit?
“Secret Obsession” is predictable from start to finish and wraps up with a happily ever after ending. I believe that had this story been told from multiple points of view, the drama and suspense would’ve been bumbling over. Instead, it just didn’t have enough finesse for this reader. I’m sure fans of Roby will like it just fine.
Reviewed by: Crystal
Born in her older sister’s shadow, Paige Donahue has always felt less than while Camille was the apple of her parents’ eye. Even now as adults, Camille is married to a wonderful man with two children, a boastful home, and whatever her heart desires.
Paige is determined to finally land on top of the pyramid no matter who she has to hurt to get there. Will this family be able to handle the betrayal, lies and deceit?
“Secret Obsession” is predictable from start to finish and wraps up with a happily ever after ending. I believe that had this story been told from multiple points of view, the drama and suspense would’ve been bumbling over. Instead, it just didn’t have enough finesse for this reader. I’m sure fans of Roby will like it just fine.
Reviewed by: Crystal
September 20, 2017
Secret Obsession by Kimberla Lawson Roby was a DIVAS Book Club selection for October 2017. I've read several of Ms. Roby's books, but this is my favorite to date. At only 175 pages, it packs a powerful punch. So many issues are touched on in Secret Obsession. Envy, adultery, mental illness, among others. I know that we will have a very lively discussion next month, and I am looking forward to the going over all the takeaways this book offers. Great read; highly recommended.
February 15, 2014
I finished this book so fast I surprised myself. The story line was a good one. It kept me turning the pages. The characters were on point and the role they played was good for a great story. I found myself chuckling at times because Paige seemed like a character out of one of my books. This was definitely a good read the only thing I would have like to read more of was Paige's mental problem. It would've been nice to see her mother attempt to go to counseling. Them going together would've been nice. The point of the story was told however I feel Paige's true issues and resolutions were left out. It was kind of wrapped up in the Epilogue quickly and the story ended. I would still recommend this read. Another good book by this author.
August 20, 2017
This book started out hot from the beginning. Family can be your own worse enemy. Paige's hatred for her sister Camille causes her to do the ultimate betrayal amongst family members. At first I thought that her mom was so cruel towards Paige but I believe that she, Maxine (their mom) should have given her up for adoption because she couldn't love her like a mother should. A plot of rape and then a plot to have Camille caught by her husband in bed with another man was the ultimate drama. However a lot of this drama could have been avoided if Camille hadn't been so naive. I have mixed signals on this one. Paige got one if her best friends to participate......oh my goodness! You just have to read it for yourself.
October 18, 2011
I feel like I've read this book before. It was so predictable, that it will be soon forgotten. It is a mixture of many books I've read before and nothing stood out as remarkable or different. Overall it was still a decent read, not either good or bad, just a time passer. There was a small twist at the end that I never expected so that made it a bit better. I've really liked some of her other books I've read, so I will still be checking more of them out.
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April 21, 2015
I have read several of this author's books and enjoy her writing, but Secret Obsession fell short for me. The whole story felt rushed. The plot was ok but the events seemed far-fetched. I kept wondering how she was going to make everything come together at the end. And then the ending seemed like a last minute decision on how to finish the book and make the actions of the characters make sense.
All that said, I love the author and will continue to read her work. This book just didn't do it for me.
All that said, I love the author and will continue to read her work. This book just didn't do it for me.
February 15, 2014
1st read by Roby and I have to say that I found it an experience. This Paige chick is totally off her rocker. This is apparent from the very beginning. Right from the start you begin to see ta there is something just not right about her. Paige needed to seriously look at her life and examine herself before stepping out into the world daily. She just was not right and I think that has a lot to do with her 'mom' and her treatment.
Lawson Roby penned a very convincing 'obsessed woman'.
Lawson Roby penned a very convincing 'obsessed woman'.
October 16, 2015
I actually listened to this via audiobook and the voice was awesome. Paige was a little twisted but it all made sense in the end. People really need to be careful on how they treat one another. It was a pretty good book!
May 21, 2011
One of the lucky people that won this book as a pre- release. As with all Kimberla Lawson Roby books this was an excellent read!!!
October 30, 2014
Definitely an easy and intriguing read but I believe Roby added fluff in the wrong areas while neglecting character development. I give it 3 stars for holding my attention.
November 11, 2011
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Have you ever thought your best friends boyfriend was cute? I'm sure most of us have found this to be the case but we would never take things any further than that. Well, how about taking it one step further and becoming obsessed with your sisters husband. Afterall thats what happens in Secret Obsession, Paige falls for her sister, Camille's husband.
Paige Donahue has always lived in her sister Camille's shadow. As children, Camille had the grades, the friends, and their parents' love, while Paige was left with hand-me-downs and criticism. Now as adults, Camille lives an idyllic life with her husband, Pierce, and her two perfect children in a beautiful home, while Paige is stuck in a small condo with bills she can't afford to pay. But no more. With seeds of doubt planted in both Camille's and Pierce's minds, Paige's plan to steal her brother-in law starts to work. But when he reveals his decision to make his marriage work, a desperate Paige moves from envy to madness. What results from her dangerous scheme is something no one could have imagined.
My first thought when I heard about Secret Obsession was that it is based around such an interesting concept. I have read a lots of books where there is cheating involved but never have a read a book where one of the characters becomes so obsessed with her sisters husband that she tries to steal him for herself. I really thought this was a great premise, and looks at the 'bad' side of relationships. Secret Obsession is a short read, that is fast paced throughout. The plot moves quickly and I kept turning the pages desperate to know what extremes Paige would go to next and exactly what was going to happen. There is a scene at the beginning of the book that made me very uncomfortable reading it, however if you can past it the scene really sets the tone of just how far Paige is willing to go to get what she wants. I have to admit that I did not enjoy the epilogue. I thought that after such a real, hard hitting, emotional storyline the epilogue tied things up too perfectly. I would have liked to see things end slightly differently to keep with the overall tone of the book.
In terms of characters, I really disliked Paige finding her to be extremely self centered with very few morals. Paige is a character you are expected to hate and Kimberla Lawson Roby wrote her this way for a reason. I also did not particularly like Pierce either, as he commits actions later on in the novel that are out of line. The only character I did like on the whole was Camille, who is Paige's sister. I found her to be genuine, generous and caring, always looking out for her sister and everyone around her. I was really routing for Camille throughout the book and was hoping that she would come out of the sitaution relatively unscathed.
Some of you may be put off by the idea of someone going after her sister's husband, after all it is a pretty twisted sitaution. All I can say is that, yes it is a pretty extreme idea, but cheating happens everyday, and while I would never condone that, it can make for very real and emotional reading. If you can get past the concept of Secret Obsession then I would definatly recommend this book to you. It was a really enjoyable, fast paced read that I devoured all in one go.
Have you ever thought your best friends boyfriend was cute? I'm sure most of us have found this to be the case but we would never take things any further than that. Well, how about taking it one step further and becoming obsessed with your sisters husband. Afterall thats what happens in Secret Obsession, Paige falls for her sister, Camille's husband.
Paige Donahue has always lived in her sister Camille's shadow. As children, Camille had the grades, the friends, and their parents' love, while Paige was left with hand-me-downs and criticism. Now as adults, Camille lives an idyllic life with her husband, Pierce, and her two perfect children in a beautiful home, while Paige is stuck in a small condo with bills she can't afford to pay. But no more. With seeds of doubt planted in both Camille's and Pierce's minds, Paige's plan to steal her brother-in law starts to work. But when he reveals his decision to make his marriage work, a desperate Paige moves from envy to madness. What results from her dangerous scheme is something no one could have imagined.
My first thought when I heard about Secret Obsession was that it is based around such an interesting concept. I have read a lots of books where there is cheating involved but never have a read a book where one of the characters becomes so obsessed with her sisters husband that she tries to steal him for herself. I really thought this was a great premise, and looks at the 'bad' side of relationships. Secret Obsession is a short read, that is fast paced throughout. The plot moves quickly and I kept turning the pages desperate to know what extremes Paige would go to next and exactly what was going to happen. There is a scene at the beginning of the book that made me very uncomfortable reading it, however if you can past it the scene really sets the tone of just how far Paige is willing to go to get what she wants. I have to admit that I did not enjoy the epilogue. I thought that after such a real, hard hitting, emotional storyline the epilogue tied things up too perfectly. I would have liked to see things end slightly differently to keep with the overall tone of the book.
In terms of characters, I really disliked Paige finding her to be extremely self centered with very few morals. Paige is a character you are expected to hate and Kimberla Lawson Roby wrote her this way for a reason. I also did not particularly like Pierce either, as he commits actions later on in the novel that are out of line. The only character I did like on the whole was Camille, who is Paige's sister. I found her to be genuine, generous and caring, always looking out for her sister and everyone around her. I was really routing for Camille throughout the book and was hoping that she would come out of the sitaution relatively unscathed.
Some of you may be put off by the idea of someone going after her sister's husband, after all it is a pretty twisted sitaution. All I can say is that, yes it is a pretty extreme idea, but cheating happens everyday, and while I would never condone that, it can make for very real and emotional reading. If you can get past the concept of Secret Obsession then I would definatly recommend this book to you. It was a really enjoyable, fast paced read that I devoured all in one go.
January 17, 2023
I went into this blindly – I hadn't read any descriptions before reading the book.
At first, I thought it might not be horrible – not good but maybe mediocre. I was wrong.
1. The writing style sounds like it's from fucking wattpad. The way the characters talk to eachother is genuinely horrific – "Hey sister-in-law" – Seriously? Who fucking talks like this? And they do it constantly.
2. Paige is meant to be unlikeable but mostly she's just annoying as hell. All of her wrongdoings are misogynistic stereotypes – the fake rape and the gold digging especially.
3. Even the characters that are meant to be good people are extremely annoying and unlikable. Owen is a stereotypical nice guy especially.
4. Blaming Paige's actions on mental illness is really gross. What the hell man.
5. The plot twist that she's a rape baby herself was just weird. Not only is the mom mistreating Paige as a child weirdly excused because of it, it's just used as a tool to stigmatize people who were raped.
6. All of the character growth is just conveniently skipped and put into the epilogue. We're told how Paige is a much better person now and how her sister forgives her but nothing actually happened infront of us as the reader.
7. The whole "Our relationship is better than before after a little rocky patch" between Camille and Pierce is really weird. While Pierce obviously thought Camille was cheating on him and him hooking up w Paige, CAMILLE'S SISTER, was done during that period, I really don't like how it's pretty much immediately forgiven (especially because we're not actually shown the process of him and Camille making up). He literally slept with her sister. How can they come back from that?
8. Religion is just used really weirdly and in a misogyny-justifying way. Just fuck off with that.
All in all, the book is misogynistic, ableist and just straight up badly written.
At first, I thought it might not be horrible – not good but maybe mediocre. I was wrong.
1. The writing style sounds like it's from fucking wattpad. The way the characters talk to eachother is genuinely horrific – "Hey sister-in-law" – Seriously? Who fucking talks like this? And they do it constantly.
2. Paige is meant to be unlikeable but mostly she's just annoying as hell. All of her wrongdoings are misogynistic stereotypes – the fake rape and the gold digging especially.
3. Even the characters that are meant to be good people are extremely annoying and unlikable. Owen is a stereotypical nice guy especially.
4. Blaming Paige's actions on mental illness is really gross. What the hell man.
5. The plot twist that she's a rape baby herself was just weird. Not only is the mom mistreating Paige as a child weirdly excused because of it, it's just used as a tool to stigmatize people who were raped.
6. All of the character growth is just conveniently skipped and put into the epilogue. We're told how Paige is a much better person now and how her sister forgives her but nothing actually happened infront of us as the reader.
7. The whole "Our relationship is better than before after a little rocky patch" between Camille and Pierce is really weird. While Pierce obviously thought Camille was cheating on him and him hooking up w Paige, CAMILLE'S SISTER, was done during that period, I really don't like how it's pretty much immediately forgiven (especially because we're not actually shown the process of him and Camille making up). He literally slept with her sister. How can they come back from that?
8. Religion is just used really weirdly and in a misogyny-justifying way. Just fuck off with that.
All in all, the book is misogynistic, ableist and just straight up badly written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2011
This was a tough for me to continue reading. The plot sounded interesting and got my attention but once I received my copy, I just couldn’t seem to get involved in the story or the characters. The plot line was a good idea but perhaps poorly executed because it did not seem to unfold in a manner that kept my interest. The characters wavered between being completely predictable to launching into actions that seemed completely over the top and out of place. It was an odd mixture that prevented me from ever learning the characters which, in turn, kept me from caring what they did. It’s a short read but, unfortunately, not one I could recommend to others.
Arc Galley Proof
Arc Galley Proof
June 8, 2016
I was going to give this book 1 star, but it did keep me reading till the end so I could see how it ended, so I added the 2nd star. The initial concept was good but the writing was awful! The author made the two grown women sound like 16 year old girls... Or maybe the writing itself reminded me of something a 16 year old would write. Either way, the story had zero depth. If I read someone call someone else "baby" one more time I was gonna puke. The characters just did not speak realistically... No one talks the way they all talked. The ending was way too tidied up, too. I was expecting (hoping) for a Gone Girl ending but it just completely fell flat.
November 16, 2011
when you say love honor and betray thats what you think when you read this story of two sister's and one man. One sister a loving wife and mother and the other sister that would do anything to be happy and that means anything she will hurt her sister and parent's. Paige is a nice looking young lady that will do anything to get her sister husband she would even get beat up and rape just to live in there house she wants to be so much like her sister but can her sister camille forgive her for almost losing her family and life.
August 2, 2012
I have enjoyed every Kimberla Lawson Roby book I have read and this one was no exception. Paige has lived in her sister Camille's shadow all her life and she is sick of it. She has devised a devious scheme to take away everything her sister loves, starting with her husband Pierce.
This was a very quick read as I couldn't wait to figure out what Paige would do next. The only criticism I have is that Camille and Pierce were just way too naive and stupid, unbelievably so. Still, a very good read.
This was a very quick read as I couldn't wait to figure out what Paige would do next. The only criticism I have is that Camille and Pierce were just way too naive and stupid, unbelievably so. Still, a very good read.
November 16, 2014
Oh My God!!! Kimberla Lawson Roby, WOW! What a story. First off the main character, Paige, was truly disturbed. Her plight of living in her sister's shadow her entire childhood had finally pushed her to far over the edge. I don't want to give away the story but I will say this. The lengths that some people will go to for happiness is a bit frightening. A story filled with lies, rage, jealousy and deceit. You will not want to put this book down until you complete it. Its a quick read but should be placed on your reading list in the MUST READ NOW category. - Norman LaVelle
October 17, 2017
Enjoy this book. It keep me wondering how it would end!!!
January 31, 2019
About Paige who couldn't stand her sister and wanted the life and the husband she had. What some women won't do when it comes to something or someone that they want.
The ending really surprised me and I won't say so I want give away the ending but mental illness is real and families need to be more sympathetic to family members.
The ending really surprised me and I won't say so I want give away the ending but mental illness is real and families need to be more sympathetic to family members.
June 12, 2018
It was entertaining enough that I finished but something was lacking.
Was Paige actually mentally ill because of nature or was this a product of nurture? I think all of this was her Mother’s fault and because of that the ending ruined it for me. But it wasn’t bad, more like a Tyler Perry movie lol
Was Paige actually mentally ill because of nature or was this a product of nurture? I think all of this was her Mother’s fault and because of that the ending ruined it for me. But it wasn’t bad, more like a Tyler Perry movie lol
March 29, 2024
This was a very quick, easy read. A bit far-fetched at times, but honestly, I enjoyed reading about how unhinged the main character was.
August 27, 2025
Felt like I was in a crazy woman’s head the entire time
August 28, 2017
Interesting read! Mental illness is real people.
April 4, 2024
If delusional was a person. My girl was delu delu!!!
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